"Kiddo—"

"I'm fine, Pat, just a bit overworked."

"No. No no no. I know overworked you. This is worried you."

"I'm always worried."

Patton leaned against the corner of the dining room table, staring at Virgil as he attempted to tie his shoes.

"This is different. I've been trying to help you out with the movies and stuff, but you always go back to your room afterwards like it didn't happen. We've barely talked since yesterday, and it's almost one, I'm concerned."

Virgil shook his head, shoving his bag off of his shoulder in frustration.

"I know you have, and thanks for the effort, really," He flashed a strained smile. "But seriously, I'm fine. You know how I get when I don't take breaks."

Patton shifted, crossing his arms. He knew that Virgil wasn't "just fine". He could feel that something was off.

"Kiddo, why can't you just tell me? I won't be mad at you."

Virgil paused and chuckled nervously.

"Somehow," his voice was quiet as he double knotted the lace. "Somehow I doubt that."

Virgil stood up, grabbing his bag and slinging it over his shoulder. Patton stood, too, placing his hands on his hips.

"Okay, okay," Patton clenched his jaw. "Can you tell me where you're going at the very least?"

Virgil shook his head.

"Doesn't matter. I'll only be there for a couple of hours."

"Virgil!"

"What?"

The two stared at each other, a worried look on Patton's face.

"What is going on?"

"Nothing—"

"Is there something bothering you at work? Someone?

"Pat—"

"I know you're not telling me everything. I've known you for almost six years, I'm not an idiot!"

"I'm—"

"I've tried to think of everything I could have to explain why you've been avoiding me and nothing adds up!

"Please just—"

"Are you struggling with mental stuff? Do you need some space?"

"No, I—"

"Then just tell me, what is going on?!"

"It's not important!" Virgil's chest repeatedly rose and fell, eyes wide. "You don't need to know. And if I wanted to tell you, I would have, so please just fucking drop it!"

Virgil's voice echoed off of the walls, a look of regret flashing over his face before he doubled down and clutched the strap of his bag.

"I'll see you in a couple of hours."

He turned the corner towards the door, opening and closing it with a bang.

Patton stared at a knot in the floor. Had he done something? Whatever Virgil was feeling had to do with him, right? Why else would Virgil be so defensive about the answer? Maybe he'd been trying too hard. Maybe…

He shook his head, clenching his hands a couple of times before glancing around the room. He should clean. Try to distract himself. He quietly shuffled to the entryway closet, pulling out the broom, the vacuum, and a spray mop. He didn't plan on going too far into cleaning, he could easily lose himself in it. It was better to get something done than worry himself sick with guilt.

Patton started with sweeping the floor, doing his best to focus on the noise of bristles on linoleum hardwood. He would just get a couple things done, distract himself long enough for Virgil to get back, and then try to talk it out. Hopefully, he could get something. He just wanted to help. He made a crumb pile and swept it up to throw it away, then moved onto the kitchen.

It was easy to blame himself for this. He sometimes had a hard time figuring out when he was being overbearingly caring or clingy and with other stressors, Virgil could just be overwhelmed. Patton stopped sweeping around the oven and picked up a purple hair tie, placing it on the counter. Besides, the two had barely hung out for a couple of months. Sure, that could be chalked up to Virgil just needing some time to himself, but he was friendly to their acquaintances when Patton actually managed to get him out. He became a completely different person. Patton swept the pile into the dustpan, standing up and going to throw it in the trash.

He paused, staring quietly at the pan in his hand. He understood secrets, everyone had them, even he had them, but this seemed so small. It was just how Virgil was doing, why was he so defensive? Was he planning something? A surprise of some sort? Was there some sort of holiday coming up? Patton shook himself out of his stupor, moving to grab the spray mop and starting in the dining room. Most of the big holidays had already passed and neither of their birthdays were nearby. Virgil couldn't be planning anything.

Maybe it was work stuff? Patton knew how much working nights took out of him, and that wasn't even taking into account how much work he put into his engineering. With the amount he did to perfect his gadgets, Patton was sometimes surprised that he hadn't moved on to a better, more healthy job. He moved to the kitchen, frowning as he mopped around the corners.

He did know why Virgil didn't.

The job market, especially for engineers, was pretty limited. There were maybe two companies, and both of them vied for control of the stocks and job market. So much so that they'd made androids to take over some regular human jobs. The words along his shoulder blade felt as though they were burning, reminding him that he was still made of metal and synthetics. He himself was a product of all of that competition, and he knew Virgil wanted nothing to do with it.

Quickly finishing up the kitchen, he changed the bottom to a dry attachment, doing a onceover of the kitchen, dining room, and entryway. All he had left was vacuuming and then he could clear his head. Maybe go on a walk. The park wasn't too far from the apartment.

Patton leaned the mop against the wall next to the shoe rack, grabbing the vacuum and moving to the living room. He plugged it in, wincing at the noise before starting on the rug. Maybe he should just stop pushing. Virgil would have told him what was going on if he'd wanted to. Patton had already been trying for months, trying to get anything to try and help. But maybe… maybe he should just step back. Take a moment and let Virgil be. He shook his head, moving the vacuum cord out of the way of the wheels. Going by their argument, he wasn't really helping anyway. He was causing more distress just by talking about it.

He knew he shouldn't be thinking like this. Even trying to find a reason was the opposite of what he wanted to do. All he managed was making himself worry more. He moved the vacuum to the hall, plugging it into a nearby outlet and starting it again. And what about Virgil? He had something going on, something big enough that he couldn't even tell Patton. What if this was a sign that the two were drifting apart? Or that Virgil hated him? He didn't know anything. Was that a good thing? The vacuum hit Virgil's closed door with a hollow thunk. He looked up, frowning. If he could only figure something out. Anything.

He stopped the vacuum, staring quietly at the door in front of him. He knew that it was closed for a reason, Virgil wasn't the biggest fan of people in his room in general, let alone when he wasn't there. His hand drifted to the knob. But maybe, if he could just see what was going on. Maybe it would give him some clue as to what was going on. Maybe…

He pulled his hand back, eyes locked onto it. No. He couldn't. That was crossing a line. He knew that Virgil would never go through his room when he wasn't there, so he shouldn't even think about it. He should just go back to cleaning

But, he wouldn't get an answer otherwise.

He moved the vacuum to the other side of him, examining the stickers decorating the door. This wasn't the first time Virgil had grown distant. He'd tried his best to just go along with it, and in a day or two, it would pass, but this time was longer. He could see the worry and tension with every step. Patton grabbed the doorknob. This…this would be for Virgil's own good. He opened the door, stepping through the threshold. It would be better.

Virgil's room was an organized mess, clothes put strategically at the end of his bed and his covers strewn across the mattress. In a way, the mess was its own decoration. The rest of the room was filled with band posters, knickknacks, and leftover halloween webs. Patton had tried to get Virgil to take them down, arguing that they wouldn't have been able to tell the difference between a real spider web and those. Guess he hadn't listened.

Patton turned to his right, walking to the desk next to him. The wall in front of the desk was covered in instructions and blueprints, scribbles of white filling them. On the desk lay pieces of unfinished projects and overworked tools. And another blueprint. A new one. Patton pushed up his glasses and leaned in, his hand hovering just above the paper.

It was half finished, white scribbles outlining something that looked like a strange thumbtack. It almost looked familiar, like he'd seen something similar a while back. He pulled away, shuffling. The shape…what was it? Where had he seen it? It was on the tip of his tongue, a blurry memory hiding away somewhere. If he could just…

Patton the Virgil's bedside table, one of the cups teetering over and shattering.

"Crap!"

Patton stepped back, assessing the damage. He nodded in relief. Luckily, it was one of the generic white ones. He wouldn't have to explain why Virgil's Nightmare Before Christmas mug ended up in pieces. He bent down, trying to gather all of the shards into a pile. Most of them had stayed in the same area, if he could just get them in the right place there would be nor evidence that he even entered the room.

Patton peeked under Virgil's bed, seeing a shard up against a partially mangled cardboard box near the wall. Not that Virgil would check under his bed. But still, it was dangerous to just have something like that loose. He reached underneath blindly. Hopefully, he could get this piece and get out quick enough to see the blueprint again. Getting closer to the wall, he started feeling around for the shard. It'd be fine, all he had to do was grab it and throw it away. It had to be nearby, if he could just-

He yelped in pain, quickly pulling his hand back with a wince. Where he'd caught his finger, a pale, bloodless gash had opened. Patton frowned, trying to ignore the radiating ache. He had no interest in trying to find the repair polymer, let alone deal with the throbbing for a couple of days. He reached back under the bed, looking and grabbing the piece. Luckily, he was pretty sure the polymer had been moved to the kitchen after his last run-in with sharp objects.

He picked up all of the large shards and started towards the kitchen, ignoring the still sitting vacuum. Maybe Virgil wouldn't notice anything wrong. Patton knew that he was already stressed, adding to it would be awful, but it would also be easier to figure out what was going on. He waved his elbow over the trash can, dropping the mug shards into the bin and moving into the kitchen to search the counters. With his own discovered information, he might be able to understand just enough of what was going on to help. Sure, he'd still be a bit in the dark, but he knew that Virgil would come around eventually.

Patton opened one of the drawers and searched around. He eventually found it and pulled it out, popping it open with a swift, slightly painful movement. Or, instead of that, Virgil would just get more defensive. He squeezed some of the cream onto his injured finger, wincing as he felt the fibers start to reconnect. Just slipping accidentally would let Virgil know that he'd gone snooping. It would ruin everything if he was found out. He frowned, sliding the polymer back into the drawer and closing it. For a second, he watched as his finger fully wove together again. Even if it was risking Virgil and his friendship, he needed to do something. He needed to know something.

He turned back to Virgil's room with determination when there was a knock at the door.

Patton looked behind him, confusion and a bit of frustration on his face. He wasn't expecting anyone. In fact, neither him nor Virgil was. Maybe they were a girl scout? A religious person? A package? He was never able to come home during the week because of his job, and the weekends were pretty quiet. He glanced at Virgil's room for a second, debating before he went to open the front door, finding a person about 3 inches taller than him.

They had a darker, smooth complexion, vitiligo spotting along the left side of their body. It seemed much more concentrated around their eye. Their hair was straight, light brown, perfectly manicured, and placed under a black brimmed hat. If Patton was honest, they kind of looked like one of those detectives you'd see in cartoons.

"Uh, hi there! Is there something I can do for you?"

"Hello," they stuck out a gloved hand, a curious smirk on their face. "Detective Dee. Of whom do I have the pleasure of meeting?"

Patton took their hand and shook it. Guess the "detective" look was on purpose.

"Patton. But you can call me Pat."

They nodded, pulling away and placing their hand behind their back.

"I do apologize for the, uh, intrusion," They flashed a smile. "But I need you to answer a few questions. May I come in?"

Patton nodded, moving to let Dee in. He closed the door, watching Dee as they surveyed the area. What could a detective want with him? He hadn't been involved in any crime, right? As he tried to speak, the words caught in his throat. Had Virgil really gotten caught up in something?

Dee stopped walking. They turned to Patton still in the entryway, their previous smile now gone.

"I suppose I should get to the root tissue," Their voice, while still smooth, held a sinister tone. "Where's Virgil, and how much did he keep you in the dark?"

"He's out right now," Patton's jaw tensed, eyebrows furrowing. "What do you mean 'in the dark'? He hasn't done anything."

They hummed with a smirk, glancing at Patton from the corner of their eye. The yellow hue felt like it pierced through him.

"Do you know where he is?"

"I—" He shrunk into himself, looking down at the now forming polymer scar. "No."

"Mhm."

They seemed unsurprised with the answer and started walking again, settling on leaning against the back of the couch. Patton moved cautiously, staying near the dining room table. He took the spot he'd been in earlier, facing Dee uneasily. They crossed their arms.

"I'm going to explain this simply," They adjusted their gloves nonchalantly. "Virgil has been stealing expensive items from rich families for at least a couple of months in counting, maybe more if ."

Patton remained quiet, his body tensed. His hand tightened around the edge of the table. Dee continued.

"From what I understand, the police haven't been able to pinpoint anything on him. Not surprising in the slightest, but it's likely that someone else, be it one of the people robbed or not, has caught on."

Patton's gaze was to the floor.

"How—" He closed his eyes. There was a small creak from the table. "How do you know it's him?"

Dee wore an unreadable expression, their eyes in contemplation.

"Let's call it a hunch, mh?"

Patton opened his eyes as Dee shifted. They took their hat off and placed it on the couch.

"I was hoping that he would be here to maybe explain his thought process, but there's only you. And you don't seem to know anything," Their comment was slightly pointed. "Or am I incorrect?"

Patton shook his head.

"All I know is that he's been leaving home more often. He…he hasn't told me anything."

Dee rolled their eyes.

"He's doing that to give you deniability, I'm assuming."

Patton's eyebrows furrowed. There was a louder creak from the table.

"I don't need deniability. I need to know what is going on with him."

Dee gave a small sneer, chuckling.

"He fluked his last two houses, Pat. Not only that, he was forced to Bug a personal—"

"He what?"

Dee recoiled at Patton's tone, a quietly shocked look on their face.

Virgil had Bugged someone? Knowingly? Cracks started to appear in the wood of the table, an awful breaking sound escaping from his fingers. Sure, he would have been worried over finding out Virgil was in danger of something, maybe even angry when he found out that he was stealing, but Bugging someone? Best case scenario, they ended up sentient. Worst case? They were decommissioned entirely. Both were awful. He moved to touch the dent on the back of his neck. He would know.

And Virgil knew he knew. It wasn't only to give him deniability, it was to make sure that he didn't find out.

A snap echoed through the room, a piece of the table now in Patton's hand. His anger quickly boiled into panic as he did his best to hide it. Dee said nothing, observing as Patton tried to cover up the damage. They pinched their nose before fully standing up and sliding their hat back on.

"Listen, Patton, I can only imagine all of the inner turmoil that you're experiencing, but I do still need to know what's going on," They glanced down at the table piece which was now sitting haphazardly behind Patton. "When does Virgil usually get back?"

"He…" Patton glanced at the piece before looking up to Dee. "He usually only stays out for two or so hours. I-I don't know the exact timing, but—"

"That's fine. I'll just stay until—"

The two went quiet as the door opened, revealing Virgil with a considerably less full bag. He walked in a few steps, closing the door behind him and looking up.

"Hey Pat, I—"

He paused in the entryway, eyes locking onto Dee.

"You."

Dee gave an unimpressed look.

"Hello, Virgil. Long time no see," They looked at Patton. "We were just talking about you."

Virgil's gaze flicked between the two people in the room before settling on Patton, realization settling in his posture.

"You know what," Virgil backed up a bit. "I think I'll go do something else, you two seem like you're busy."

Patton turned to Virgil, placing his hands on his hips

"Oh no, we're talking about this."

Virgil took another step back.

"I think I'd rather not—"

"I don't care if you'd rather not," Patton took a couple of steps forward. "You're robbing people and doing heck knows what with their things!"

"I have reasons, Pat—"

"Reasons? You Bugged someone for Pete's sake! You wanna tell me about that? You want to explain to me the reasoning behind that decision?"

Virgil said nothing for a while, eyes cast to the ground. After a slow minute, he looked up, stepping forward and letting his bag slip off of his shoulder.

"I…" He hugged his sides, his hoodie crumpling against his arms. "I'm sorry I didn't say anything. I knew you would hate it all and I didn't want you to get wrapped up in it if it ever got dangerous."

Patton slowly nodded, his arms falling.

"I know you had the best intentions, kiddo, but finding out like this is a lot more concerning than it would have been just telling me," Patton glanced at Dee. "To be honest, I would have been concerned either way because it is dangerous. And I would rather be able to help than to be completely removed from the conversation."

Virgil nodded with a nervous chuckle. Dee cleared their throat, Patton and Virgil's gaze snapping to them.

"I hate to interrupt a genuinely important conversation," They adjusted their hat. "But unfortunately, it's gotten more dangerous than you think."

Virgil sighed, adjusting his hoodie.

"Last house's owner?"

"And the police and I can only assume whatever group of people you've been working with," Dee smirked. "You've become quite popular, Spinne."

"Ah," Virgil paused at the nickname before continuing. "Yeah, they weren't too happy about all of the buzz around it."

Dee nodded, adjusting their trench coat. They took a double back, eyes lingering for a moment.

"Fortunately, V, the person you Bugged is completely fine."

"Really?

Dee nodded, a small smile on their face. Virgil gave a quiet, relieved sigh.

"He's quite curious about you as well. At least from what I can tell."

"Oh, joy," Virgil hesitated. "Why, uhm, why aren't you turning me in?"

"Hm? Oh," Dee smiled. "Let's just say, for old times sake, mh?"

Patton watched Dee and Virgil, confusion working its way into his face. Old times sake? How long had they known each other? Virgil had never talked about Dee.

"Well," Dee clapped their hands together. "For both of your safety, I'm going to have to ask you to come with me to my office."

Virgil crossed his arms, an apprehensive look on his face. He let out a small sigh.

"Listen, I know I fucked up a bit, but I'm not in a lot of danger. The only reason you found me was because of…past stuff, I guess. I don't actually know how you found me."

Dee rolled their eyes.

"Yes, and if I can find where and who you are, it's not impossible for anyone to find you. And besides," Dee took a few steps forward, leaning in. "I'm not sure your run in with your employers ended particularly well."

Virgil cleared his throat adjusting his shoulder in an attempt to hide the rip. He looked over to Patton a simple question in his eyes. And Pat knew what answer he wanted. He wanted to stay and pretend like none of this had happened. Go about life before, and never think about it again. Patton looked at Virgil's slightly torn hoodie, a small frown settling on his face. No matter how much either of them wanted it, they couldn't. He had a sneaking suspicion that Dee was right about this.

"Better safe than sorry, kiddo."

Patton flashed a soft smile, Virgil sinking into himself a bit. He sighed, looking up to Dee.

"Can I just grab a few things?"

Dee motioned their hand, Virgil nodding and pushing past to his room. Patton's eyes lingered on the now closed door down the hall before he shook his head, looking over at Dee who was making their way towards the door.

"How do you know him again?"

Dee froze, tensed for a moment. They looked over their shoulder with a relaxed smirk, but their eyes said something entirely different. They looked almost hurt.

"We were old friends," Their smile faltered for a split second. "We had to split up after a…difference in opinions, shall we say. A very fun night for the both of us."

They turned away as the sound of a door opening and closing echoed through the house. Virgil emerged with a backpack and his hood up. Patton pulled his cardigan in.

Dee opened the door, motioning for Virgil and Patton to join them. The two did, saying nothing as they followed Dee through the building and down to the bottom floor.

As they left the building, the group stopped as they observed three people. Two of them were in a car blasting music out of the open windows and the other stood outside, watching in confusion. Patton stared quietly, noticing the noticeable joint outlines. This is what Dee had meant. The person pushed up his glasses.

"I still do not understand this. What…what do you gain from listening to music this loudly?"

"STIMULATION!"

The one outside shook his head, turning to Dee and perking up very slightly. His gaze drifted to Patton, then to Virgil, lingering for a few moments. Patton could feel Virgil shrink into himself further. Dee shook their head, walking to the car door.

"Remus, turn it off, please. I don't want people reporting a noise complaint."

"Fineeeee," Remus paused the music. "But can I control it when we're driving?"

Dee chuckled.

"Oh, absolutely not."

Patton watched quietly, glancing next to him ever now again in hopes that Virgil would say something. Dee turned to them.

"C'mon. There should be enough room in the back."

Virgil walked forward without hesitation. And without a sound.

Patton hugged his sides, following behind. God, he hoped he was making the right decision.